Ninja A-League round-up: Melbourne City enter crucial period after closing gap on top spot | OneFootball

The latest round of Ninja A-League fixtures were headlined by Sydney FC’s visit to Melbourne City. The reigning champions were able to close the gap on current leaders Canberra United, who dropped points to basement side Western Sydney Wanderers.

The bottom vs top clash resulted in the fight for top spot to open up significantly, as just two points stand between Melbourne City and Canberra. City also boast a huge three games in-hand, which could see them take a superb lead.

Here’s what happened around the grounds in the latest lot of A-League results.

Western Sydney Wanderers 1-1 Canberra United

Basement dwellers Western Sydney snatched a surprise point from table-topping Canberra thanks to Milly Bennett’s late goal.

Liz Anton gave Canberra the lead when she bundled home Nanako Sasaki’s corner with just under ten minutes played. Michelle Heyman and then Sasha Grove forced Wanderers’ keeper Sham Khamis into a fine double save just before the break. 

The hosts would’ve been level at the break but for a sharp save from Sally James to tip Ena Harada’s deflected shot wide.

Bennett equalised with 20 minutes left when she was left in acres of space at the back post to fire home her first A-League goal.

Brisbane Roar 2-2 Wellington Phoenix

Brooke Nunn’s late strike ensured Wellington Phoenix claimed a dramatic point in Brisbane.

Wellington took the lead in spectacular fashion when Manaia Elliott brushed Momo Hayashi and curled home from 35 yards past a stranded Chloe Lincoln.

Ashlyn Miller’s first A-League goal drew the sides level moments later. Her strike from the edge of the box had too much pace for Victoria Esson in the Nix goal.

An absolute stunner from Ava Piazza put the Roar ahead with ten minutes of the first remaining. A free-kick that was lifted into the Wellington box was punched away by Esson. But Piazza picked up the loose ball 25 yards out and let rip with a sensational finish.

The Nix laid siege to the Brisbane goal and eventually got their reward in bizarre circumstances when Nunn’s cross floated in Lincoln’s near post in the 98th minute.

Embed from Getty Images

Perth Glory 1-0 Newcastle Jets

Perth Glory climbed into the top six thanks to a narrow win at home to Newcastle Jets.

The hosts were given a dream start when Anna Lear’s poor clearance gifted the Glory the ball. The counter-attack lead to Sarah O’Donoghue squaring the ball for Isobel Dalton who made it 1-0. O’Donoghue then nearly doubled the lead early in the second half, but she dragged her shot just wide of the far post.

Josie Allan drew a fine stop from Glory shot-stopper Teresa Morrisey as the Jets pushed for an equaliser, but Perth held on for the win.  

Adelaide United 1-0 Central Coast Mariners

Adelaide United secured a much-needed victory to kept them in touch with the top six as they beat the Central Coast Mariners.

Peta Trimis went closest in the opening stages for the Mariners. Her drive across the face of goal forced a good save from Ilona Melegh.

Early in the second half, the Reds took the lead. Erin Healey’s long-range effort was pushed away by Annalee Grove. The loose ball was picked up by Chelsie Dawber and she set up Emily Condon who made no mistake from six yards out.

Greta Kraszula went closest for the Mariners in stoppage time, but her attempt was well gathered by Melegh.

Embed from Getty Images

Melbourne City 1-0 Sydney FC

Sydney FC’s difficult season continued as they lost to Melbourne City.

City started brightly and Holly McNamara came within inches of giving them the lead, but her fierce strike crashed off the underside of the crossbar.

Aideen Keene was denied by a great stop from Sydney keeper Heather Hinz. Abbey Lemon was on hand to hammer the loose ball away from danger.

The visitors nearly took the lead in stunning style just before the break. Hana Lowry’s excellent attempt from distance was matched by the save from Malena Mieres to tip the ball over the bar.

City took the lead with ten minutes of the second half played. Chinaza Uchendu latched onto McNamara’s headed flick-on and produced a composed finish past Hinz.

Related articles from Her Football Hub: